At a high-level dialogue on the future of Cohesion Policy held at the European Committee of the Regions, Sari Rautio, President of the EPP-CoR, underlined that cohesion must remain at the centre of the EU budget as a long-term investment that brings the Union’s values to life and supports all regions.
Rautio, who is preparing the Committee’s opinion on the next EU budget, stressed that cohesion is “not just about money, but about trust — between levels of government, between institutions and citizens, and between stronger and weaker regions.” She warned that if Europe wants to stay united through the green and digital transitions and future enlargement, cohesion must guide EU investments.
She explained that her upcoming opinion will call for a strong and protected cohesion budget, a simpler and more predictable framework for 2028–2034, better coordination with new funding tools, and full involvement of regions and cities in shaping EU investment decisions.
Rautio noted that the way the EU designs its next long-term budget will determine whether it can continue delivering on its promise of balanced development across Europe. She expressed concern that the growing use of emergency funds and highly centralised instruments risks weakening the shared-management system that ensures local ownership and accountability.
Commenting on the Commission’s proposals for the 2028–2034 budget, Rautio highlighted several risks: cohesion should not be limited to a few regions; centralised decision-making cannot replace true partnership; and Europe needs a joined-up investment approach that links the green, digital and resilience agendas instead of creating new layers of complexity.
Rautio stressed that work has only just begun and that the EPP-CoR will continue working closely with the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission to ensure that cohesion keeps its central place in the EU budget — and that all EU policies support the principle of “do no harm to cohesion.”
The meeting offered a timely moment to reflect on the Commission’s proposals and their possible impact on balanced development across Europe, especially concerns about governance and the risk of more centralisation at national level.